Chapter 395

Chapter 395: The Continuing Impact

The Crimson Flame Imperial Capital buzzed with excitement. All eyes turned to the sky, watching the holy war unfold, even though most people couldn’t truly see it. Their interest remained strong, especially in the fierce battle between two of the three most powerful sages in the Western Desert.

In stark contrast to the chaos outside, Bi Tian Pavilion remained quiet.

After returning, the moon-returning dragon could barely contain his curiosity. He wanted to ask Zhang Yang what he planned to do next, whether he needed to make any preparations or summon saints for assistance, though that might place the Cold Moon Dynasty at a disadvantage.

Zhang Yang smiled and said, “It’s fine. Go focus on your cultivation. With the Heart of the Saint Pearl in your possession, you can enter seclusion with Chi Ying Tian and help him fully integrate the holy sword. Don’t worry about anything else. If anyone tries to reach me through you, just turn them away and ignore it.”

The moon-returning dragon left for Zi Tian Pavilion, his face full of questions.

Although he had departed, his companions remained puzzled.

Fortunately, Cold Thief Tian and Tiger Howl Wind were both steady by nature and refrained from asking questions.

Demon Sword Yi, normally one to dig for answers, was too preoccupied by the burden of the third eye. With a solemn expression, he returned to his room to continue researching it.

Ironback Blue Bull, meanwhile, slept soundly, still digesting his earlier gains, unnoticed by the rest.

“We should take a few days to rest,” Zhang Yang said to Bing Yuyan. “Study the Ice Spirit Scroll thoroughly before coming out of seclusion.”

Bing Yuyan gave a soft “mm” in response and entered the room next door.

For her, this period of isolation was necessary.

It wasn’t just about the Ice Spirit Scroll, the night’s events had deeply affected her. She had been thwarted repeatedly in her return, only to see Zhang Yang charge in once more without hesitation. His courage and resolve left a lasting impression on her, and she felt as though she had grasped something important.

Zhang Yang sat calmly in the hall, a faint smile playing on his lips, one that hinted at mischief, as he gazed toward the entrance.

All was quiet.

After some time, Yan Donghuang entered.

He stood silently at the door.

Zhang Yang looked at him without speaking, then stood and returned to his room.

Yan Donghuang turned to stand watch at the door.

Soon after, Yan Mengqing arrived, accompanied by two tall handmaidens. When she saw Yan Donghuang standing guard, she froze in surprise before realizing the significance of the moment.

“Ancestor.”

“Go back. He won’t see you.”

“I won’t… I…” Yan Mengqing bit her lip, clearly unwilling to leave.

Yan Donghuang looked at his beloved junior with a trace of warmth. “You’ve done well. But you must understand, some people only respond to sincerity. Without it, you can’t even become friends.”

Yan Mengqing’s beautiful face paled. She bit her lip harder and, after a long pause, whispered, “Ancestor, I want to wait here.”

Yan Donghuang sighed, saying nothing more.

The night grew hazy.

As the holy war in the skies drew to a close, Jin Wudi withdrew, seething with anger and frustration. The Crimson Flame Imperial Capital slowly returned to its usual rhythm before gradually quieting. The lights that lit the capital dimmed one by one, finally fading into the darkness.

People had already gone to sleep.

Inside the living room of Bi Tian Pavilion, Yan Mengqing stared blankly outside.

Yan Donghuang had already hidden himself in the shadows. There was no need for him to remain visible.

The graceful women beside Yan Mengqing dared not speak, knowing full well that when the grand princess was deep in thought, she must not be disturbed.

As dusk gave way to dawn, the sky lightened in the east, and once again, radiant colors bathed the Crimson Flame Imperial Capital.

Stillness returned to the city’s usual bustle.

But Yan Mengqing knew, when the first rays of sunlight pierced through the clouds today, they would mark a day that belonged solely to Zhang Yang.

A legend was about to begin in the Western Desert.

In just a month, his extraordinary feats had already reshaped the region.

And yet, the man remained upstairs without appearing.

She rubbed her forehead, lost in thought.

The first to arrive in haste was none other than the Son of the Sacred Dynasty, Yun Tianhuang, returning from the Holy Land.

He clearly already knew what had transpired the night before.

Upon seeing Yan Mengqing, he raised his brows in mild surprise. “The grand princess arrived before me.”

“I’ve been waiting for him here since last night,” Yan Mengqing replied.

Yun Tianhuang’s mouth fell open in disbelief as he looked up at the silent upper floor.

He couldn’t comprehend it—Zhang Yang had left the most beautiful woman in the Western Desert waiting for an entire night without acknowledging her presence.

It spoke poorly of his courtesy and manners. It was hard to imagine any man being immune to the charm of Yan Mengqing.

“The Son wishes to see him? Then why not wait here as well?” Yan Mengqing offered.

Yun Tianhuang laughed. “No need! The princess has waited long enough; it’s only right she sees him first. I’ll come back another time.”

As he turned to leave, he couldn’t help but glance back and ask, “At last night’s banquet, the grand princess said someone came to propose with the Phoenix Flame Holy Sword. Was that true?”

Yan Mengqing replied lightly, “It was the wild Lord of the Sacred Forest who wielded the Phoenix Flame Holy Sword, not just someone.”

“Haha, understood,” Yun Tianhuang laughed as he departed.

The enchanting handmaidens exchanged sympathetic glances.

One of them even whispered, “Princess, isn’t this raising him too high? Princess…”

Yan Mengqing shot her a sharp look with her beautiful eyes.

Startled, the woman immediately fell silent, not daring to say another word.

Soon after, more people came, and like Yun Tianhuang, they all left because of Yan Mengqing’s presence.

By midday, thirteen groups had come seeking Zhang Yang, only to retreat upon encountering her.

Yan Mengqing sighed. “What happened last night must have already spread throughout the Western Desert. I can only imagine the chaos it’ll stir.” She glanced up toward the upper floor and murmured, “The one responsible for all of it is now in seclusion, completely unconcerned. Who would believe it if they heard? And yet, it’s all true.”

Even as she spoke, the entire Western Desert was in uproar.

The shockwave from the death of the Black Cloaked Strategist had yet to subside, and likely wouldn’t for some time. His presence had cast a long shadow over the Western Desert. Now, all major holy lands and dynasties were scrambling to root out internal spies, and some had even captured major figures, stirring public outrage.

As a result, the Taixu Dynasty suffered yet another devastating blow the previous night.

Their newly established palace had once again been set aflame.

Five great sages were slaughtered.

Jin Wudi had the Phoenix Flame Holy Sword forcibly taken from him in public.

Emperor Jin Shengtian lost his left arm.

Such explosive news could not be contained. Overnight, it spread to every corner of the Western Desert, and people everywhere were abuzz.

When it was revealed that the one behind these monstrous acts was none other than Zhang Yang, the same man who had defeated the Black Cloaked Strategist and triggered the Great Battle at Heavenly Reaching Mountain, the commotion only intensified.

Some even began to suggest that Zhang Yang’s true goal was to shatter the current order of the Western Desert and possibly establish a new holy land. This theory gained both support and opposition, for the established power structure in the Western Desert was even more entrenched than that of the Southern Region.

Of course, there was also talk of the Western Desert’s most beautiful woman proposing marriage with the Phoenix Flame Holy Sword, though that topic was more of a side note. Most attention remained focused on what the Sacred Dynasty would do next.

It was assumed that they would continue purging traitors within their ranks while monitoring the Taixu Dynasty closely.

If the Headless Monk’s earlier strike had shaken the Taixu Dynasty’s perceived invincibility, making holy lands cautious in their actions, then the death of the Black Cloaked Strategist reignited their ambitions.

The events of the previous night reignited their desire to invade the Taixu Dynasty, especially amid that dynasty’s mounting rage. A storm loomed.

At that very moment, sages from across the major holy lands had already gathered at the Taixu Dynasty’s borders. Over a hundred had assembled, clearly signaling their intent, not to support Zhang Yang, but to potentially strike at the dynasty itself.

The Taixu Dynasty’s foundation was immense, and dividing it up was an irresistible temptation for many.

Still, there was hesitation.

Despite its recent setbacks, the Taixu Dynasty remained terrifyingly powerful. That it could endure such blows and still stand strong was a testament to its strength.

Nonetheless, the gathered sages’ posture was enough to dampen the Taixu Dynasty’s momentum.

Emperor Jin Shengtian, one-armed and enraged, smashed everything within the Imperial Hall.

But in the end, he had no choice but to restrain his fury and issue orders.

Jin Zhihong to the Butian Pavilion!

Jin Zhihu to the Creation Pavilion!

Jin Liuli to the Hunters’ Guild!

And finally, his own Imperial Hall, now led by the number one assassin, Ye Wolf.

All forces were to mobilize and attend the Conference for the Peak of Power.

There was only one command, “Kill Zhang Yang.”